West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose condemned the vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, describing it as a "shame to civil society," as junior doctors continue their protests over the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor.
The incident occurred around midnight when a group of approximately 40 individuals, posing as protesters, vandalised the emergency department, nursing station, and medicine store, damaging CCTV cameras and disrupting a demonstration stage.
In response, police have detained nine people allegedly involved in the vandalism. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused law enforcement of failing to protect the protesting doctors, demanding military intervention if the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government cannot control the situation.
Healthcare services in the state have been severely affected for the past week due to the junior doctors' strike, causing significant distress for patients as emergency and outpatient departments remain closed. The attack on the nursing station has prompted nurses to join the junior doctors in their protests, calling for enhanced security measures.
Governor Bose visited RG Kar on Thursday afternoon to assess the situation, speaking with the agitating doctors and expressing deep concern over women's safety in the state. "Yesterday's vandalism is a shame to civil society. It's unacceptable that young girls are not protected. This bloodbath cannot be allowed anymore. This must stop," he stated.
The unrest follows the shocking incident involving a young female doctor whose body was discovered on August 9, with reports suggesting she was raped and murdered while on duty.
A civic volunteer was arrested in connection with the crime.
The vandalism has triggered strong reactions from various groups. Nurses at the hospital protested against the violence, with one nurse declaring, "Such hooliganism inside a hospital is unacceptable." Doctors reiterated that the attack was intended to demoralise their protests but only strengthened their resolve for justice.
Increased police presence around the hospital has been noted following the attack. Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, who visited the premises, indicated that an investigation is underway, suggesting that a "malicious media campaign" may have exacerbated the situation.
Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court has ordered the transfer of the probe into the alleged rape and murder case from Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Protests continue to sweep the state, coinciding with Independence Day celebrations, as thousands of women participated in the 'Reclaim the Night' campaign. The demonstrations began at 11:55 PM on August 14 and spread across both major cities and small towns, including significant areas in Kolkata.
Political reactions have been swift, with the BJP demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for failing to maintain law and order. BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar declared, "If the state government can't control the situation, they should call in the army. The Chief Minister should resign immediately."
TMC leaders countered these claims, questioning whether CMs in BJP-ruled states have resigned for similar incidents. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh remarked, "The opposition is doing dirty politics over the incident."
TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee condemned the vandalism, urging police to arrest all responsible parties within 24 hours, while party member Santanu Sen called for accountability regarding the former principal of RG Kar Hospital.
In response to the unrest, the SUCI (Communist) has announced a 12-hour general strike in West Bengal on August 16, protesting the vandalism at RG Kar.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is also scheduled to join the streets on Friday evening to demand justice for the deceased doctor.
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